Description:

Aprovasc 150mg/10mg Tablets (by Sanofi) is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medication containing irbesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and amlodipine (a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker). It is used to treat essential hypertension in adult patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with irbesartan or amlodipine monotherapy. The combination provides additive blood pressure-lowering effects by blocking angiotensin II receptors (reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release) and inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle (promoting vasodilation). In Ghana (Accra), Aprovasc (including 150mg/10mg strength) is a prescription product available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for hypertension management, often as an alternative to separate irbesartan and amlodipine tablets.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for blood pressure monitoring and side effect management; not freely OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker + Calcium Channel Blocker Combination (Fixed-dose antihypertensive.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Irbesartan – 150 mg
• Amlodipine (as amlodipine besilate) – 10 mg (equivalent to 14 mg amlodipine besilate) Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol, talc, iron oxides (for coloring). Tablets are film-coated (often white/off-white or colored depending on region).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Aprovasc 150mg/10mg Tablets (irbesartan 150 mg + amlodipine 10 mg). Related variants: Aprovasc 150mg/5mg (lower amlodipine dose), Aprovasc 300mg/5mg, Aprovasc 300mg/10mg (higher doses for better control). The 150/10 mg is a common intermediate strength.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (usually once daily).

• Adults: 1 tablet (150mg irbesartan / 10mg amlodipine) once daily.
• May be taken with or without food (food slightly affects absorption but not extent).
• Starting dose may be lower (e.g., 150/5mg) if switching from monotherapy or for tolerability.
• Maximum dose: Usually 300mg irbesartan / 10mg amlodipine once daily.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly; do not stop suddenly (rebound hypertension risk).

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness/lightheadedness (especially standing—orthostatic hypotension)
• Headache
• Peripheral edema (swelling in ankles/feet/legs)
• Flushing
• Fatigue Other: Nausea, palpitations, cough (less common than with ACE inhibitors). Serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), severe allergic reactions, acute kidney injury, or hyperkalemia (from irbesartan).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 14 or 28 tablets per pack; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Risk of hypotension—rise slowly to avoid dizziness/falls.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to irbesartan/amlodipine, pregnancy (fetal toxicity—discontinue immediately if detected), breastfeeding (limited data), severe liver/kidney impairment, or with aliskiren in diabetes/renal impairment.
• Caution in heart failure, aortic/mitral stenosis, bilateral renal artery stenosis (risk of acute kidney injury).
• Monitor potassium, renal function, and blood pressure (especially first weeks).
• Avoid grapefruit juice (increases amlodipine levels/toxicity).
• If angioedema, severe dizziness, or reduced urine output occurs, stop and seek emergency care.
• Regular monitoring essential for long-term use.

Product Substitutes:

Similar irbesartan + amlodipine 150mg/10mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic irbesartan/amlodipine 150/10 mg (various importers).
• Other brands like Irbamo (if available). Alternatives: Separate irbesartan 150mg + amlodipine 10mg tablets, or other combinations (e.g., losartan + amlodipine, valsartan + amlodipine). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Sanofi

Country of Origin:

 France